Used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of herbicides and plant growth regulators. Its reactive aldehyde and chlorine groups allow for selective functionalization, making it valuable in constructing pyrimidine-based bioactive molecules. It is also employed in the preparation of dyes and fluorescent probes due to its aromatic and electron-deficient structure. Common in research settings for building complex heterocyclic systems through cross-coupling and nucleophilic substitution reactions.